Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower. Odds are, you have no idea when your grout was installed.
Loose tiles, mold growth, and crumbling are all key signs that your grout needs attention.
Grout sealers will break down over time, so you're going to have to reseal grout on a floor every three to five years. Shower grout should be resealed once a year.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
You may not need to remove most of the grout. It may be possible to apply new grout over old grout without removing it at some places. However, where the grout has deteriorated heavily through crumbling or become too dirty, it is best to remove it before applying new grout.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Benefits of Putting New Grout Over Old Grout
Putting new grout over old grout is not as complicated as a complete re-grout as it does not require the removal of the old grout. It can also strengthen the surface to increase water resistance and make it less susceptible to impurities.
Regrouting is the best option when tiles and grout begin to show signs of discoloration or the stains are so deep that they cannot be removed. As grout ages, it naturally deviates from its original color. If the white grout turns yellow or is covered with stains, you must regrout very soon.
Regrouting can be a worthwhile home improvement project that keeps your floors looking good as new. It makes your tiles more resistant to mould, prevents water from seeping behind the shower floors and walls, and ensures they have a longer life span.
Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower. Odds are, you have no idea when your grout was installed.
Re-grouting is more affordable than retiling as far as bathroom flooring options go. This DIY project can be done in about four hours, which makes it much faster than retiling.
The national average materials cost to regrout tile is $1.13 per square foot, with a range between $0.28 to $1.99. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $16.54, coming in between $9.28 to $23.81. A typical 300 square foot project costs $4,962.15, with a range of $2,782.60 to $7,141.70.
Grout needs to be sealed. It's naturally porous and will stain easily. Most installers of tile floors do not seal them because grout has to cure first. It's something you should do to keep your grout looking its best.
Cracked and dirty grout does not mean you have to pull all the tiles off the wall and start from scratch – replacing the grout alone is actually a relatively quick and simple job.
The national average materials cost to replace grout is $1.68 per square foot, with a range between $1.57 to $1.78. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $17.34, coming in between $10.81 to $23.87. A typical 300 square foot project costs $5,201.88, with a range of $3,242.35 to $7,161.40.
Shower regrouting done by a professional company will typically take a day to each shower and the cost can range from $900 to $1800 depending on the skills of the contractor, the materials used and the size of the shower.
There is no reason not to wait to apply grout, unless you have used a quick-set tile adhesive. The thin-set mortar needs time and air to properly set and cure for strong bonding. Improper curing can lead to a flaky adhesive, which will cause loose or failing tiles and bonds.
What do professionals use to clean grout? Whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
Cement-based grout is extremely porous—meaning it collects grime like a sponge. All the scrubbing in the world won't remove dirt that seeps deep into your grout. Your time (and your knees and back for that matter) are worth the cost of having the experts clean your tile, stone, and grout for you.
Most people would recommend getting a professional tile and grout cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, there are also details such as how much traffic your floors get, how often you clean the floors yourself, and how old your floors are to take into consideration.